SD-15 Guide For Performance SpecificationsThis document provides guidance information on performance specifications focusing primarily on stating requirements in performance terms and ensuring that sufficient verification means are included in the specification to evaluate conformance. While the focus of this document is on defense specifications developed under DoD 4120.24-M, Defense Standardization Program DSP Policies and Procedures, the principles and techniques can also be applied to program unique performance specifications, performance-based purchase descriptions, commercial item descriptions, or any other type of procurement specification. This guide is intended to supplement the format and content requirements for writing performance specifications found in MIL-STD-961, Defense and Program-Unique Specifications Format and Content.

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Performance Specification Guide SD-15

The system specification requirements are then flowed down or allocated to configuration items below the system level.  These item descriptions are usually captured in program-unique item performance specifications, which become the allocated baseline "design-to" requirements. Sometimes, the item descriptions are captured by defense performance specifications that are used across multiple programs or applications.  Appendix C provides an example of a program- unique performance specification.

The design activity translates the item performance requirements into "build to" requirements that are documented in item detail specifications, which ultimately result in a product baseline and a Technical Data Package that can include both performance and detailed design program-

unique item specifications, software specifications, process specifications, material specifications, non-Government standards, commercial item descriptions, defense specifications and standards, federal specifications and standards, drawings, technical manuals, and other types of technical documentation.

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